A recent study sheds light on the potential for Viagra, the famed blue pill known for transforming men’s sexual health, to similarly enhance women’s sexual experiences. Preliminary findings from a 12-week trial suggest that sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, may improve sexual satisfaction among women facing female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD).
Breaking New Ground
The study, spearheaded by Laura Berman of Northwestern University and Jennifer Berman of UCLA Medical Center, examined the effects of Viagra on 202 women who were post-menopausal or had undergone hysterectomies. These participants reported symptoms of FSAD, such as reduced arousal, vaginal dryness, and difficulty achieving orgasm.
Women who received sildenafil were asked to document their sexual experiences throughout the study. Compared to those on a placebo, this group reported notable improvements in arousal, lubrication, and orgasm, leading to greater overall sexual satisfaction.
“In terms of achieving orgasm, the improvement was statistically significant,” said Laura Berman in an interview with ABC’s Good Morning America. She explained that Viagra increases blood flow to the genital area, enhancing sensations of warmth, fullness, and tingling.
The Complexities of Female Sexual Dysfunction
Female sexual dysfunction is a widespread yet often misunderstood issue, affecting more than 50 million women globally. Symptoms can range from diminished sensation and lubrication to complete loss of sexual interest or arousal. FSAD, specifically, is characterized by physiological barriers rather than psychological or relational challenges.
Jennifer Berman emphasized that Viagra is not a cure-all for every woman facing sexual challenges. “Women with significant emotional or relationship issues, or those experiencing desire problems unrelated to medical causes, may not benefit from this treatment,” she explained. Instead, it is best suited for women who once enjoyed fulfilling sexual responses but can no longer achieve them due to medical factors.
Why Viagra?
The Bermans hypothesized that since Viagra enhances male arousal by increasing blood flow to the penis, it might similarly boost female arousal by improving blood circulation in the genital area. This increased blood flow could enhance sensations, arousal, and lubrication, addressing the physical symptoms of FSAD.
Participants in the study were carefully screened to rule out psychological or relational causes for their sexual difficulties. They were prescribed an initial dose of 50 milligrams of Viagra, with an option to increase to 100 milligrams depending on individual response and tolerance. The pill was taken as needed before sexual activity but not more than once daily.
The Results
Over the course of the study, participants kept detailed logs of their sexual activities, ensuring consistent data collection. Neither the participants nor the researchers knew who received the active drug versus the placebo, preserving the study’s objectivity.
Women taking Viagra reported mild to moderate side effects, including headaches, flushing, nausea, and visual disturbances—effects consistent with those experienced by men using the drug. Despite these side effects, the majority found the benefits outweighed the drawbacks.
Looking Ahead
While these results are promising, the researchers caution that they are preliminary. Viagra’s efficacy for women with FSAD requires further exploration through larger and more diverse trials.
However, the findings open new doors for addressing a complex issue that affects millions of women. With its ability to improve physiological aspects of sexual function, Viagra could offer a meaningful solution for women who, for medical reasons, struggle to experience the satisfaction they once enjoyed.
As Jennifer Berman put it, “This is about restoring a response that was once there—a way to bring intimacy and pleasure back into women’s lives.”